Ligament sprains and tears

What Are Sprains?

The ankle is one of the most common places in the body for a sprain. Landing wrong on your foot can cause the ankle to roll to the side. This can stretch or tear ligaments. Ankle sprains can occur at any time, such as when you step off a curb or play sports. Once you’ve had an ankle sprain, you may be more likely to sprain that ankle again.

When Ligaments Tear

Your ankle joint is where the bones in your leg and foot meet. Strong bands of tissue called ligaments connect these bones. Muscles run from the lower leg across the ankle into the foot. The ligaments and muscles help keep the ankle joint stable when you move. If you twist or turn your ankle, the ligaments can stretch or tear. This is called a sprain. A sprain can be mild, moderate, or severe. This depends on how badly the ligaments are damaged.